Professional CV services

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by bazzawood30, Jul 14, 2010.

  1. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    I am trying to break into IT I know it’s going to be hard and I have had some good advice from this forum already. This brings me to my next question, Is it worth getting a professional to prepare my CV? if so can anybody recommend a company to go with and give an idea of cost?

    Thanks in advance
     
    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST
  2. LukeP

    LukeP Gigabyte Poster

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    Post your CV here. Take all the personal details out (obviously) and post it for other users to review.
    There is quite a few members here who are really good at reviewing CVs.

    Edit: To answer the OP, I haven't used one before myself and personally I don't see how can an advisor offer better advice than 10+ active and experienced forum members who often sit on the other side of the table at the interviews.
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2010
    WIP: Uhmm... not sure
  3. SimonD
    Honorary Member

    SimonD Terabyte Poster

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    I wouldn't bother mate, have a look at either of my CV's for a layout guide and use the wording if you want, the CV layouts on both of them are pretty good (my last one was done by a senior guy at MS) and I always find that the layout works.
     
    Certifications: CNA | CNE | CCNA | MCP | MCP+I | MCSE NT4 | MCSA 2003 | Security+ | MCSA:S 2003 | MCSE:S 2003 | MCTS:SCCM 2007 | MCTS:Win 7 | MCITP:EDA7 | MCITP:SA | MCITP:EA | MCTS:Hyper-V | VCP 4 | ITIL v3 Foundation | VCP 5 DCV | VCP 5 Cloud | VCP6 NV | VCP6 DCV | VCAP 5.5 DCA
  4. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    Here is my current cv i have posted it before and tweeked it a little to this. My problem is a under sell myself i am not very good at blowing my own trumpet, i think i lack a little self confidence in that respect.


    Personal statement
    A committed and proactive professional who has specialised qualifications in Cisco networking. High levels of motivation and discipline utilised to achieve Cisco certification whilst in full-time employment. The ability to learn new concepts and cutting edge technologies quickly, whilst able to troubleshoot issues with a logical and analytical approach. Able to handle responsibility, work on own initiative and achieve goals with effective planning and prioritisation. A proven team leader who enjoys being part of a productive team.

    Qualifications
    CCNA 21/06/2010 Cisco Testing Centre
    CCENT 08/06/2009 Cisco Testing Centre
    Cisco IT Essentials (A+) 08/08/2008 Southport College
    ECDL 21/09/2004 Darlington College
    NVQ Lvl2 Retail Operations March 1998 City & Guilds
    4 A-Levels 1995 Formby High School
    9 GCSEs 1993 Formby High School

    Skills acquired
    The CCNA Discovery program has given me a broad knowledge foundation for Cisco networking systems. I am familiar with the Cisco IOS and GUI interfaces used on Cisco hardware. I have proven proficient in the use Cisco equipment in Labs and on simulation software. This includes the administration of Vlans, ACLs, Switch & Router security, Wireless configuration, LAN & WAN Links, Routing protocols and trouble shooting. I have a sound understanding of Microsoft operating systems and computer hardware. I have built, repaired and upgraded many systems for friends and colleagues. I have had a great deal of success with virus and spyware removal. I have also installed a number of domestic wireless networks, and configured their security.

    Employment history
    Police Constable Sept 2002-Date Ministry Of Defence Police

    I have been a police firearms officer for nearly eight years, my role is primarily high visibility armed patrols and fixed point security duties. My position requires a high level of security clearance. I have a number of secondary duties, I undertake Acting Sergeant Duties where I assume responsibility for the police control room and armoury. I am a member of a protestor removal team and a rope access instructor, which involves a considerable amount of planning and training. I also conduct control room duties and undertake additional health and safety tasks, such as building inspections and risk assessments. My IT skills have been drawn upon in my police career, due to lack of local IT support. I am regularly required to assist colleagues setting up client services. I map network drives, configure outlook, add printers and troubleshoot the print server. I was tasked with producing a step by step user guide to a Linux based alarm system. I assist less IT literate officers with computer based learning and Microsoft office issues. I am now planning to study for Microsoft certifications starting with Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician.
    Branch Systems Operator Sept 1998-Sept 2002 Tesco Stores Ltd

    This role was based around fresh food stock control, I was part of a small team that maintained the stock control systems to ensure high levels of stock availability, whilst maintaining low levels of wastage. This involved working to tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.

    Relief Manager April 1996-Sept 1998 Spar, James Hall Retail Stores

    In my two year employment I was able to work my way up from a part-time cashier to a relief manager. My final role involved resuming full responsibility of a store in the absence of the store manager in periods of annual leave, sickness and maternity leave. I would have full responsibility for customer service, stock levels, staff rostering and promotion planning. This role involved travelling within the Southport, Ormskirk and Preston areas.

    Interests
    I enjoy golf, squash and rock climbing in my spare time. When possible I enjoy the outdoors camping and walking in Snowdonia and the Lake District. I support St Helens RLFC and attend matches as often as I can. I enjoy doing DIY around my home including car maintenance, I have dream of building a kit car in the future.
     
    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST
  5. LukeP

    LukeP Gigabyte Poster

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    .doc or .docx?
     
    WIP: Uhmm... not sure
  6. Fergal1982

    Fergal1982 Petabyte Poster

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    Your employment history reads like a story. Cut it down to a brief intro to the role, and a bulleted list of responsibilities. Also cut out the use of personal pronouns (That part's more of a personal opinion, but I just think it looks much more professional).

    In particular, focus on the IT related responsibilities (although also include the others too).
     
    Certifications: ITIL Foundation; MCTS: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010, Administration
    WIP: None at present
  7. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    Ok looks like i need to start over i have few templates to use as a guide will have a bash at it tomorrow then post it for your feedback. Thanks
     
    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST
  8. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    ok i tried again please give me feedback the real doc is formatted better than this dump


    PROFILE

    A CCNA qualified professional with experience of IT maintenance and repair. I display a high level of motivation and discipline, utilised to achieve Cisco certification whilst in full-time employment. I am diligent, adaptable and resourceful, with the ability to learn new concepts and cutting edge technologies quickly, whilst able to troubleshoot issues with a logical and analytical approach. Able to handle responsibility, work on my own initiative and achieve goals with effective planning and prioritisation. A proven team leader who enjoys being part of a productive team.
    TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE SUMMARY
    • Experience of troubleshooting Windows XP, Vista and 7
    • Experience of supporting desktop and laptop hardware
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
    • Well versed in Cisco technology and networking concepts
    • Spyware and virus removal skills
    QUALIFICATIONS

    • CCNA
    • CCENT
    • Cisco IT Essentials (A+)
    • EDCL
    • NVQ level2 Retail Operations
    • 4 A-levels
    • 9 GCSEs
    MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
    I have always been a keen IT enthusiast, 3 years ago I started studying at night school to gain professional skills. I began with the Cisco IT essentials course which follows the A+ syllabus, and then I continued onto the CCNA certification. I achieved this while in full time employment as a police officer. The CCNA Discovery program has given me a broad knowledge foundation for Cisco networking systems. I am familiar with the Cisco IOS and GUI interfaces used on Cisco hardware. I have proven proficient in the use Cisco equipment in Labs and on simulation software. This includes the administration of Vlans, ACLs, Switch & Router security, Wireless configuration, LAN & WAN Links, Routing protocols and troubleshooting. I have been putting my skills to use for years I regularly repair upgrade friends and colleagues systems. I have also installed a number of wireless networks and configured their security. My IT skills have also been drawn upon in my police career, due to lack of local IT support. I am regularly required to assist colleagues setting up client services. I map network drives, configure outlook, add printers and troubleshoot the print server. I was tasked with producing a step by step user guide to a Linux based alarm system. I assist less IT literate officers with computer based learning and Microsoft office issues.






    EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
    Sept 2009 – To Date
    Police Constable Ministry of Defence Police
    Key responsibilities
    • Provide Firearms security to visiting forces
    • High profile counter terrorist patrols
    • Acting sergeant duties
    • Armoury weapon issues and return
    • Control room operator
    • CCTV operation
    • Protestor removal team member
    • Rope access instructor
    • Health and safety representative
    • Security clearance

    Sept 1998 –Sept 2002
    Branch Systems Operator Tesco Stores Ltd
    Key responsibilities
    • Providing fresh food stock control
    • Monitoring availability levels
    • Monitoring waste levels
    • Working to deadlines
    • Managing accurate records
    • Managing retail promotions

    April 1996 –Sept 1998
    Relief Manager Spar, James Hall Retails Stores
    Key responsibilities
    • Customer service
    • Stock orders
    • Staff management
    • Promotion planning
    • Cash balancing and banking

    PERSONAL INTERESTS
    I enjoy golf, squash and rock climbing in my spare time. When possible I enjoy the outdoors camping and walking in Snowdonia and the Lake District. I support St Helens RLFC and attend matches as often as I can. I enjoy doing DIY around my home including car maintenance, I have dream of building a kit car in the future.

    REFERREES
     
    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST
  9. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    Full file
     

    Attached Files:

    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST
  10. LukeP

    LukeP Gigabyte Poster

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    I'll type as I go through so forgive lack of structure.

    Personally I would get rid of CCNA and Cisco words from profile. There is another place for that on the CV. I would actually get rid of the whole sentence and replace it with something that say what kind of person you are.
    I'd put full name next to CCENT and CCNA.
    Major achievements section looks like a wall of text. It should be short description of major achievements, I have mine in 3 bullet points 2-3 lines each. To be honest with CCNA and you talking about VLANS, WAN links and so on without experience to back it up might not be a great idea. Especially that after you talk about friends PC's. How many of your friends actually use VLAN's and ACL lists?
    That has to go!

    You mention:
    What was it? What technologies? What tasks? This can be a dealbreaker on your CV. Try to make the most out of it.

    Edit: Make it more visible ^^
    Hope that helps!
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2010
    WIP: Uhmm... not sure
  11. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    Take 4, am i getting any closer? Does this get all the information accross? :cry:


    PROFILE

    A diligent, adaptable and resourceful individual, with the ability to learn new concepts and cutting edge technologies quickly. Capable of tackling issues with a proactive, resourceful, and analytical approach. Able to handle responsibility, work on my own initiative and achieve goals with effective planning and prioritisation. A proven team leader who enjoys being part of a productive team.

    TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE SUMMARY
    • Experience of troubleshooting Windows XP, Vista and 7
    • Experience of supporting desktop and laptop hardware
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
    • Well versed in Cisco technology and networking concepts
    • Spyware and virus removal skills
    QUALIFICATIONS

    • Cisco Certified Network Associate
    • Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician
    • Cisco IT Essentials (A+)
    • European Computer Driving licence
    • NVQ level2 Retail Operations
    • 4 A-levels
    • 9 GCSEs
    MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
    I have always been a keen IT enthusiast, 3 years ago I started studying at night school to gain professional skills. I began with the Cisco IT essentials course which follows the A+ syllabus, and then I continued onto the CCNA certification. I achieved this while in full time employment as a police officer displaying high levels of dedication and motivation.

    The CCNA Discovery program has given me a broad knowledge foundation for Cisco networking systems. I am familiar with the Cisco IOS and GUI interfaces used on Cisco hardware. I have proven proficient in the use Cisco equipment in Labs and on simulation software.

    I have been putting my skills to use for years I regularly repair, upgrade and troubleshoot friends and colleagues systems. I have also installed a number of wireless networks and configured their security.

    My IT skills have also been drawn upon in my police career, due to lack of local IT support. I am regularly required to assist colleagues setting up client services, this includes mapping network drives, configuring outlook, adding printers, setting up peripherals and resolving print server issues. I was tasked with producing a training program for a Linux based alarm system. I assist less IT literate officers with computer based learning and Microsoft office issues.




    EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
    Sept 2002 – To Date
    Police Constable ***********
    Key responsibilities
    • Provide Firearms security to visiting forces
    • High profile counter terrorist patrols
    • Acting sergeant duties
    • Armoury weapon issues and return
    • Control room operator
    • CCTV operation
    • Protestor removal team member
    • Rope access instructor
    • Health and safety representative
    • Security clearance

    Sept 1998 –Sept 2002 ************
    Branch Systems Operator
    Key responsibilities
    • Providing fresh food stock control
    • Monitoring availability levels
    • Monitoring waste levels
    • Working to deadlines
    • Managing accurate records
    • Managing retail promotions

    April 1996 –Sept 1998 ******************
    Relief Manager
    Key responsibilities
    • Customer service
    • Stock orders
    • Staff management
    • Promotion planning
    • Cash balancing and banking

    PERSONAL INTERESTS
    I enjoy golf, squash and rock climbing in my spare time. When possible I enjoy the outdoors camping and walking in Snowdonia and the Lake District. I support St Helens RLFC and attend matches as often as I can. I enjoy doing DIY around my home including car maintenance, I have dream of building a kit car in the future.
     
    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST
  12. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    Should i rename the MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS? not sure if it sounds quite right.
     
    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST
  13. LukeP

    LukeP Gigabyte Poster

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    You can call it Achievements only.

    Please post .doc files only, copying and pasting into forum post just makes it unreadable. Formatting is important part of the CV.

    As far as I can see (hard to focus on wall of text - copy/paste) it's getting better though.
     
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2010
    WIP: Uhmm... not sure
  14. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    Ok sorry will post attachments in future
     

    Attached Files:

    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST
  15. LukeP

    LukeP Gigabyte Poster

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    I think it's looking good.

    Good luck with a job hunt! :D
     
    WIP: Uhmm... not sure
  16. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    Cheers mate thanks for the help
     
    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST
  17. SimonD
    Honorary Member

    SimonD Terabyte Poster

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    Hi mate, I have made a couple of minor changes, have a look and use them if you want.
     
    Certifications: CNA | CNE | CCNA | MCP | MCP+I | MCSE NT4 | MCSA 2003 | Security+ | MCSA:S 2003 | MCSE:S 2003 | MCTS:SCCM 2007 | MCTS:Win 7 | MCITP:EDA7 | MCITP:SA | MCITP:EA | MCTS:Hyper-V | VCP 4 | ITIL v3 Foundation | VCP 5 DCV | VCP 5 Cloud | VCP6 NV | VCP6 DCV | VCAP 5.5 DCA
  18. bazzawood30

    bazzawood30 Byte Poster

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    Thanks
     
    Certifications: ECDL,A+,N+,CCENT,CCNA,MCP,MCDST

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